After trailer software update, relay keeps clicking.

[Carnious]

Anyone know what this is? Or if it’s a common occurance? I’ll post a video in a sec

here

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[JohnTrigger]

Pull battery negative cable (both if you have powerboost). Leave disconnected for several minutes (10+ or longer) to reset whatever module is clicking. The GWM is right there.

 

[Carnious]

Pull battery negative cable (both if you have powerboost). Leave disconnected for several minutes (10+ or longer) to reset whatever module is clicking. The GWM is right there.

Pulled for 45 mins. Still doing it. Guess I’ll have to take it in.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

Not sure how pulling the fuse would be any different than disconnecting the battery completely but here's what Grok has to say about it.

The constant relay clicking under the steering wheel after a trailer module OTA update is likely the Integrated Trailer Brake Module or accessory delay relay rapidly engaging/disengaging due to a software glitch, low battery voltage, or module fault.
Resolution:
Test/replace the battery.
Pull the ITBM fuse (#9 or #22 in the passenger kick panel) for 10-15 min to reset the module.
Check FordPass for another OTA or visit a dealer for diagnostics/reflash (free if recall-related).

 

[Carnious]

So it turns out it was one of the trailer control modules. Tech replaced it with a working one and it stopped. But the part will be 10 days out.
so driving with this clicking for the immediate future.

 

[sony224422]

I have the same problem. I unplugged the module for now, theres an easy connector to get to. It will make the turn signals flash faster, but everything works.

I would be willing to bet that module doesn't have the new software update, therefor won't be clicking. This looks like a software issue and an update will need to be pushed to fix it. If they replace your module, and it updates again, its going to do it again i would think.

Was your module factory installed or added after the truck was delivered? Mine was added after i received the truck

 

[Carnious]

I have the same problem. I unplugged the module for now, theres an easy connector to get to. It will make the turn signals flash faster, but everything works.

I would be willing to bet that module doesn't have the new software update, therefor won't be clicking. This looks like a software issue and an update will need to be pushed to fix it. If they replace your module, and it updates again, its going to do it again i would think.

Was your module factory installed or added after the truck was delivered? Mine was added after i received the truck

Great insight!
mine was installed at the dealer like you. So that could be one of the issues.
guess we will see what happens when they install the new one.
What are they doing with yours?

 

[sony224422]

It happened this morning, i haven't even had a chance to contact the dealer. But i am seeing some chatter online that people are having this issue. I wonder if its the added module, because its different?

I just reached up to the left, its a black module with a plug right there, and just unplugged it. The clicking stopped. The turn signals flash light a bulb is out, but i walked around the truck and nothing is out, and the brake/running lights still work, but at least you don't need to listen to the clicking

 

[moritzes]

Great insight!
mine was installed at the dealer like you. So that could be one of the issues.
guess we will see what happens when they install the new one.
What are they doing with yours?

As another data point, I just got the update, have a factory installed module, and have no clicking.

 

[sony224422]

that is interesting to know. i wonder if they are different modules?

 

[asinop]

I had the same issue with the Trailer Brake controller on my 2025 after the Tow-haul software update. Brought it into dealer for recalls and that on Friday. Same thing - said it was a "defective unit" and Ford is replacing under warranty. Have to wait about a week for the part.

In the meantime I pulled the connector from it so I don't have to listen to it. Seems to impact my blind spot detection (either that or another Ford software update has caused an issue).

 

[sony224422]

Has anyone gotten an update or this fixed? I am due for an oil change but don’t want to go to the dealer twice, I’m hoping to call them and have them order the part if they can

 

[Carnious]

They put a new TCM in my truck, fixed the issue

 

[asinop]

Another update here.... they finally replaced the TB controller (TBC). According to the dealer, the ticking sound (relay chatter) went away - but then when they were completing the software checks, it started up again! So they kept my truck overnight and are working with Ford to see what it could be. I suspect this is still related to Tow-Haul software update and not a hardware issue - unless Ford had a bad batch of TBCs and I just managed to get (2) of them.

One thing I noticed for awareness. After I disconnected the TBC so I didnt have to listen to the relay clicking, when the lane keeping system/cruise control was turned on I would get a "Blind Spot Assist" fault message. The blind spot detection still worked with alerts, but I would still get an error message on the front display. When I plugged the TBC back in, the blind spot message went away.

 

[asinop]

Well final answer. The dealership worked with Ford all day Friday and a new version for the Tow/Haul software was downloaded to replace the version sent out on Sept 23rd. It fixed the TBC chattering issue on my 2025. The truck is back in my driveway.

My original and replacement TB controller were not the issue. They mentioned that Ford was going to send this updated software out as a mass update in the near future. So if you see a new download coming (I assume it is for the 23-25 models), you heard it here first...

You know - as someone in engineering, when I see a device that has been working properly begin to have an issue after a new software load, I suspect the software first and the device second. Not sure why this approach doesn't apply for certain problems in modern autos where an issue starts right after a related software update.

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